AN international wheelchair tennis competition was launched in the North-East yesterday.

Forty players from around the world are taking part in the three-day sessions at the Puma Sunderland Tennis Centre.

It has attracted entries from France, Belgium, Switzerland, Greece, Netherlands and Russia.

The North-East Wheelchair Tennis Tournament is one of only three world ranking competitions taking place in the country.

Puma Sunderland Tennis Centre manager Ros Edwards said: "This event promises to see world-class competition in today's fastest growing sport and spectators are welcome free of charge."

In the men's draw, Kevin Plowman, from Sheffield, world ranked number 25, will be defending the title he won last year against six players in the world top 50.

Florence Gravellier, world number eight, from France, will find her main competition coming from the British number two and world number 18, Janet McMoran.

For more information call the tournament director on (01642) 884 107.